AN INDEPENDENT opticians has been left counting the costs after "heartless" thieves broke in and stole valuable sunglasses.

Solent Spectacles was targeted by the criminals, who are believed to have broken into the back of the Millbrook Road West shop before making off with designer frames from high-end companies like Oakley and Ray-Ban.

Shocked employees turned up for work on Wednesday morning to find some of the shop's cabinets and been smashed and the items stolen.

And now Solent Spectacles partner Laura Neilson is urging members of the public to be cautious if they are approached by anyone looking to sell on the stolen goods.

She said: "This is going to have a massive impact on us. As an owner this has never happened to me so it's a massive shock having this happen.

"We're still counting the cost and we can't put a price on how much has been taking as we're still counting the stock.

"It's not cheap having to replace the cabinets as well as the glasses. We will also have to put in more security measures."

Laura said that when she showed up for work the thieves had left also smashed a number of other frames and left them in pieces outside the shop, which has been in Millbrook for six years.

Hampshire Constabulary said the incident took place between 6pm on August 21 and 7.50am the following day.

A spokesperson added: "Items have been stolen but we are waiting for specific details of the items stolen.

"Investigations are ongoing."

Laura added: "People need to be aware that if people approach them to buy sunglasses they could be stolen from the shop, so they need to be careful.

"It's difficult for us as a shop but we will keep going."

Anyone with information about the incident can call police on 101, quoting 44180317780.